Natuurpark de Broeckgouw

This scenic, flat bike trail offers families an authentic Dutch cycling experience connecting the charming fishing village of Volendam to the historic cheese town of Edam. With minimal traffic and beautiful countryside views, it's an easy, safe route perfect for families wanting to explore the Netherlands like locals do while enjoying wide-open spaces and traditional windmill scenery.

• ✓Safe, car-free cycling paths separated from traffic throughout most of the route
• ✓Authentic Dutch countryside with traditional windmills and grazing sheep
• ✓Connecting two charming Dutch towns, each offering cheese tastings and traditional architecture to explore
• ✓Completely flat terrain, perfect for beginner cyclists and young children
• ✓Opportunity to experience everyday Dutch culture where cycling is the primary mode of family transport

1. 1.Rent bikes in Volendam center where shops offer children's bikes, training wheels, child seats, and even family cargo bikes designed for multiple kids.
2. 2.Start early morning (8-9am) to avoid afternoon winds that can make cycling more challenging, especially with little ones.
3. 3.Pack snacks and water as there are limited facilities along the route itself, though both Volendam and Edam have plenty of cafes at either end.
4. 4.The route is approximately 5km each way, making it manageable for most families. Plan for photo stops at the picturesque windmills and farmland along the way.
5. 5.Download an offline map or cycling app before you go, as the route is well-marked but having GPS backup is helpful for international visitors unfamiliar with Dutch cycling paths.

Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September) offer the best weather with mild temperatures and blooming tulip fields nearby. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends when Dutch families also flock to the trail.

The trail is free to access and open 24/7. Bike rentals in Volendam typically cost 10-15 euros per day for adults, 8-12 euros for children's bikes. There are no food vendors on the trail itself, so plan to eat in Volendam or Edam.

Best enjoyed April through October when weather is mild. Winter months (November-March) can be cold, windy, and rainy, making cycling less pleasant. The route remains open year-round but summer offers the longest daylight hours and warmest temperatures for family cycling.

In Volendam, try Hotel Spaander Restaurant for traditional Dutch pancakes (poffertjes) that kids love, or grab fresh herring and fries from waterfront stalls. In Edam, L'Esprit offers family-friendly dining with children's menus and outdoor seating near the cheese market square.